Episode 5: Embracing Self-Compassion & Inner Strength

Thriving Beyond MST

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In this empowering episode, we explore the journey of thriving after Military Sexual Trauma (MST), focusing on overcoming the heavy burdens of self-blame, guilt, and mental health challenges. Through personal stories of resilience and expert insights, we’ll uncover practical tips and provide personal examples for developing self-compassion, discovering inner strength, embracing self-love, and learning to thrive. The episode offers MST survivors a roadmap to not only survive but to thrive—reclaiming their lives with grace, courage, and confidence. Join us in building a community of healing, hope, and empowerment as we learn to thrive beyond trauma.
Discussed in this episode-
Article:
State of the Knowledge of VA Military Sexual Trauma
Research
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9481813/pdf/11606_2022_Article_7580.pdf
Books:
Simpson, Renee Marie. 2021. I Want To Go Home: Reclaiming Power After Sexual Assault.
Varma, Sue. 2024. Practical Optimism.
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Additional Resources:
1. Make the Connection (www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/ military-sexual-trauma): Make the Connection is a compilation of videos of veterans sharing their experiences with military sexual trauma.
2. BeyondMST(App)(BeyondMST|VAMobile): BeyondMSTwas designed to help people heal from sexual assault or harassment during military service, also called military sexual trauma (MST).
3. Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) (www.servicewomensactionnetwork.org): SWAN is the voice of women who have served or are currently serving in the military.
4. Protect Our Defenders (www.protectourdefenders.com): Protect Our Defenders (POD) Legal Services Program is the only program in the country providing free legal services specifically for survivors of military sexual assault and sexual harassment, and bystanders and whistleblowers who are suffering retaliation for intervening or reporting sexual assault or harassment.
5. Combat Sexual Assault (www.combatsexualassault.org/aboutus): Our mission is to empower survivors of sexual violence by helping them find their voice and overcome barriers to obtaining justice, all while disrupting the cultural stigma surrounding the disclosures of these crimes.
6. National Veterans Legal Services Program (www.nvlsp.org): Our goal is to ensure that every MST survivor who qualifies for disability benefits receives the benefits they deserve.
7. Male Survivor (www.malesurvivor.org): MaleSurvivor is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, public benefit organization committed to preventing, healing, and eliminating all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men through support, treatment, research, education, advocacy, and activism.
8. Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (www.rainn.org): RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline
9. Help for homele

Podcast Intro music

Podcast Extro Music